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Image: EAFF
Writes: Edward Perry
This weekend (20th September) sees the 2024 EAFF Champions League in Sassuolo, where Everton will face Europe’s best sides to compete for glory.
The EAFA spoke to The Amputoffee’s striker Liam Burbridge to get his thoughts ahead of the tournament.
“The excitement levels are through the roof,” Burbridge said.
“It’s been a long time coming since our qualification after winning the league last season, so the lads have had a lot of time to think about it. We’ve been discussing it for nearly a year now so everyone is like a kid waiting for Christmas.”
Under the management of Mark Dolan, Liam and his teammates have left no stone unturned as they prepare for the competition.
“As a squad of players we have also been arranging our own extra sessions which has been vital in getting extra game time, which is really important.”
Everton will face current Champions League holders Şahinbey as well as Wisła Kraków and Cork City in the group stage. All three teams won their respective leagues in Türkiye, Poland and Ireland, meaning there are tough fixtures ahead of them if they are to progress further.
“We haven’t really set any expectations but we’re relishing the chance to test ourselves against the best teams from around Europe,” said Burbridge.
“It’s definitely going to be tough but we’re just taking it one game at a time.
“As long as we follow our processes, work hard and do what we know we’re capable of, I really believe we’re in with a shout.”
Sitting top of this season’s The IKO EAFL table, Everton themselves have a wealth of experience to draw upon that has got them to this point.
He continued: “We have a good mix of both young and experienced players who have travelled a lot with the national team.
“I think that’s important because, although the Champions League is a new experience for most of us, it’s not our first rodeo.”
Image: @PDRPhotos
Burbridge has taken part in World Cup, European Championship and Nations League international tournaments plus FA Disability Cups. Adding the Champions League to his C.V. while representing his club and EAFA this weekend is a proud moment for him.
“Playing in the Champions League means everything to me.
“It’s the pinnacle of club football and it’s something me and the squad are incredibly proud of qualifying for.”
Liam hopes this experience serves as inspiration for the next generation of amputee footballers who will be taking part in EAFA’s Junior Training Camp at the same time this weekend.
“Kids look at players like Mbappe and Haaland playing in the Champions League and I’d like to think that that’s the level we’re at.
“It shows our young amputees in the junior squad the level they can reach one day if they put the work in,” Burbridge concluded.
Watch all of Champions League as it kicks-off on Friday (20th September) via the EAFF Facebook and YouTube.
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